Variation in the wood and pulping properties of European white birch

Variations in the wood, pulping and fibre properties of European white birch were studied in selected families using small-scale laboratory pulping methods. Highly significant tree-to-tree variation within families was observed in most of the properties studied. Despite the small number of families, moderately significant differences were observed between families in some properties, including basic density and fibre coarseness. This variation appeared to be partly genetic in nature. According to the results, the mapping of quality traits of birch wood and studying breeding with the help of genetic markers can be used to improve the properties of birch for the needs of mechanical wood processing and the pulp and paper industry.